#51 - Make a bucket list
For some reason, I have been thinking more regularly about my bucket list - what is on it, which ones I want to do next. I think it’s because coming out of lockdown, it kind of felt like 2 years of potential to tick more items off had been lost. So I thought it would be a good topic for this blog because for me it’s an enjoyable and fulfilling thing to do:
Setting goals to prioritise the things I would like to do
Feeling a sense of achievement when I tick one off
Distracting me from negative feelings and times when I don’t feel so good
Being interested in etymology, I had to check where the term bucket list comes from. Although there are a few, it is commonly believed to be based on the term ‘kick the bucket’. The most common derivation of kick the bucket originates from suicides who would stand on a bucket with a noose around their neck and kick away the bucket! MORBID! So a bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die.
A bucket list can contain smaller things that are very achievable like taking up a hobby or travelling somewhere or can be bigger life goals like owning a house or a career milestone. Great goals can arrive from simple questions: What type of life do I want? How can I improve myself? What's my biggest fear?
Accomplishing personal goals you set is just as important as making it big in the eyes of the outside world. I am lucky enough to have led a full life so far with lots of experiences and adventures (some best not shared here LOL) so I don’t take my bucket list HUGELY seriously but for me, it’s a fun thing to do!
What is on my bucket list?
I have ticked off a number of items on my bucket list, have some that are still left to do AND there will no doubt be others that will be added to the list when I think of them! Thought I would share a few of them.
Bucket list items COMPLETED
Complete the London Marathon - 2002 (20 years ago!!!) – it was challenging as I wasn’t a runner at the time so it took over 5 hours and won’t be repeated
Skydive – 2005ish - was strapped to a Red Arrow for a charity jump and it was AMAZING. Terrifying until the parachute opens then you don’t want it to end
Paragliding over the Alps – 2022 - was so thrilled to do this earlier this year whilst skiing in Switzerland and would do it again tomorrow
See Rolling Stones live – 2013 – Glastonbury - they put on such a good show despite looking like they had risen from their graves
Nail a headstand in yoga – 2012ish - I practiced A LOT before it came naturally and it’s now a fave posture so perseverance pays off!
Bucket list items - NOT DONE YET
Bungee jump – booked in for a 160FT jump on 18th June (EEK!) hopefully still around to write about it in a future blog
Set up a charitable foundation - this is perhaps the most important one for me as it would be a good indicator of my goal to make a difference
Become a Trustee for a charity - so that I can share the expertise I have built up to add value to an organisation to do more good
Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - there are lots more places I want to go to in the world but this is at the top - ideally as part of a long trip around South America
Do 3 unassisted pull ups - this is a goal for this year as for me it’s a good indication of improved strength
Write a book - I enjoy writing and have always loved the idea of dedicating the time and passion into producing something that people would want to read
For me, pushing myself to do what I may not think I am capable of is a big factor but I will be absolutely fine if I don’t complete them all.
